STUDY: Boston Ranks as Top U.S. City to Stay in Shape

Infogroup data ranks U.S. cities by concentration of fitness-related businesses.

OMAHA, Neb., Jan. 17, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Boston has the highest concentration of fitness-related businesses, according to a new study from leading business data and analytics provider, Infogroup.

To determine the top U.S. cities for fitness, Infogroup used its verified business database of more than 15 million records to identify which metro areas are home to the most fitness clubs and gymnasiums, yoga instruction businesses, running and jogging supply stores, sporting goods retailers and membership and recreation clubs. Once these factors were compiled, Metropolitan Statistical Areas (MSAs) with a population of one million or more were ranked by their concentration of fitness-related businesses per 10,000 residents.

According to University of Scranton research, more than 40 percent of Americans make New Year's resolutions, but only 8 percent keep them. More than half of the Boston "fit" businesses are gyms or health clubs, with sporting goods retailers making up an additional 26 percent and yoga instructors accounting for 19 percent. With such a high concentration of fitness-focused businesses, Infogroup data suggests Boston residents have the greatest opportunities available to meet fitness goals.

Factoring in the number of fitness-related businesses per metro area, Infogroup ranked the following as the top 10 "fit" cities:

Boston

Seattle, Wash.

Minneapolis, Minn.

Denver, Colo.

Hartford, Conn.

Providence, R.I.

San Diego, Calif.

Pittsburgh, Penn.

Grand Rapids, Mich.

Portland, Ore.

"Our database is able to provide key insights for both marketers and business owners looking to expand their practices or penetrate new markets," said Mike Iaccarino, Chairman and CEO of Infogroup. "For instance, the large concentration of gyms and health clubs in Boston reveals consumers are more likely to live healthier lifestyles. This knowledge can assist other companies, such as health food stores or wellness stores, looking to open new locations looking to target a similar market. Similarly, for entrepreneurs looking to open fitness and health-focused businesses, this data indicates where they might find both a marketplace for their products or services, and more importantly, success."

Infogroup's U.S. verified database contains more than 15 million business records and its consumer database contains more than 245 million individual consumer records. For more information about Infogroup, please visit www.infogroup.com.

About InfogroupInfogroup is a big data, analytics and marketing services provider that delivers best in class data-driven, customer-centric technology solutions. Our data and software-as-a-service (DaaS & SaaS) offerings help clients of all sizes, from small companies to FORTUNE 100TM enterprises, increase their sales and customer loyalty. Infogroup provides both digital and traditional marketing channel expertise that is enhanced by access to our proprietary data on 245MM individuals and 25MM businesses, which is distributed real-time to our clients. For more information, visit: www.infogroup.com.